The textiles and garments from the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun, who died ca. 1323 BC, have to date received scant attention, although they constitute the largest group of items from the tomb, and they certainly will provide a wealth of information about the state-of-the-craft of Egyptian and Middle Eastern textile production in the second half of the second millennium BC. The TRC is therefore very honoured, and thrilled, that the Egyptian museum authorities have granted Dr Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, director TRC, and her team access to the conservation laboratories and other facilities of the new Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt, in order to carry out, always under the supervision of GEM restoration specialists, a full examination of the Tutankhamun textiles, clothing and related items housed at GEM.

This means that Dr Vogelsang, the TRC, as well as Prof. Olaf Kaper, Dept. of Egyptology, Leiden University, and a growing group of Egyptian scholars and students and many other international experts, can further develop a large-scale and in depth study of all of the textiles and garments that were discovered by the British archaeologist, Howard Carter, when he opened the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh in 1922. The Egyptian authorities have asked for assistance in preparing a detailed catalogue of the textiles; to develop a strategic plan for displaying the items; and helping to prepare educational items (including books and replicas) to better inform the public about the textiles and garments and how they were worn by the young pharaoh.

Donations

The TRC is dependent on project support and individual donations. All of our work is being carried out by volunteers. To support the TRC activities, we therefore welcome your financial assistance: donations can be transferred to bank account number NL39 INGB 000 298 2359, in the name of the Stichting Textile Research Centre.

Since the TRC is officially recognised as a non-profit making cultural institution (ANBI), donations are tax deductible for 125% for individuals, and 150% for commercial companies. For more information, click here